15 Best Mastercard Options for Building Credit and Earning Rewards

Top Picks for Earning Rewards and Saving on Interest with Mastercard

Finding the perfect Mastercard can be a game-changer for your wallet, especially if you’re looking to maximize rewards while keeping interest rates low. Whether you’re focused on earning cash back, travel points, or simply want a card that helps you save on interest, there’s a Mastercard option to match your needs. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top picks that offer the best combination of benefits, from generous rewards programs to competitive APRs, so you can make the most of every swipe.

1. Discover it® Cash Back

This credit card does not have an annual fee. You can earn 5% cash back on changing categories. You also get 1% cash back on everything else you buy. These benefits make it a good choice for people who want to earn rewards when they shop.

The Discover it® Cash Back card is a good choice for people who want to earn rewards without dealing with an annual fee. It offers 5% cash back on specific categories that change every few months. These categories can be grocery stores, restaurants, or gas stations. This feature makes it great for everyday shopping. Plus, cardholders get 1% cash back on all other spending. This means every dollar spent helps to earn rewards.

The Discover it® Cash Back card comes with a special offer. In your first year, all the cash back you earn will be matched. This means that at the end of the year, your cash back will be doubled.

Key Benefits

• You will automatically join rotating categories.
• There are no fees for transactions outside the country.
• You can check your credit score for free in your monthly statements.

2. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

This card is good for people with fair credit. It gives you unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. There are no tricky bonus plans.

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is for people with good or okay credit. It’s a good choice if you want to build or boost your credit score. This card stands out because it has an easy rewards program. You won’t deal with rotating categories or tricky spending limits. You earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all your purchases. This includes groceries, gas, and shopping online.

Additional Benefits

• No foreign transaction fees: You can use your card in other countries without extra costs.
• Easy cash rewards: You can quickly get rewards as statement credits, checks, or direct deposits.
• Email and mobile alerts: You can easily track your spending and manage payments.

3. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

This card gives you 1.5% cash back on everything you buy. It also has a special offer that provides extra rewards in some categories. These categories are dining and drugstores. A lot of people pick this card because it is flexible and suits their needs.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® gives you easy rewards and flexibility. You get 1.5% cash back on everything you buy. This makes earning rewards for everyday spending simple. Besides the regular 1.5%, you can earn more with extra bonuses in some categories.

• Dining: Earn more cash back when you dine out or order food.
• Drugstores: Get extra rewards when you shop at pharmacies and drugstores.

4. Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

This Mastercard is special because it can change based on how you spend. Every billing cycle, you receive 5% cash back in the category you use the most. You also get 1% cash back on other purchases. This card is a good option if your spending varies from month to month or during the calendar year.

The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card stands out from other cash back credit cards. It offers great flexibility. Cardholders can earn an amazing 5% cash back in the category where they spend the most each billing cycle, up to a certain limit.

Key Benefits

• No annual fee: Save the most money.
• Flexible rewards structure: Adapts to your spending habits.

5. U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card

If you want low-interest rates and need to spend money wisely, this credit card could be the right choice. It has a long introductory APR period.

The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card is a good choice for people looking for low-interest rates and who plan to make large purchases. A nice feature of this card is the long introductory APR period. This allows cardholders to spend more without getting hit with high-interest fees right away.

Key Features

• You can enjoy a zero-percent introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers for up to 20 billing cycles.
• Once the introductory period ends, the interest rates remain competitive.
• You don’t have to pay an annual fee, making it simpler for people to manage their payments.

6. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

It’s important to know that this card is more than just a Mastercard. It gives great rewards at grocery stores. You can earn 6% back on what you buy at the grocery shop. This can really help families who are working on their food budget.

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a great choice for families. It helps you earn more from your grocery spending. With this card, you can get 6% cash back on purchases at U.S. grocery stores. This offer is good for up to $6,000 every year.

Additional Perks

• You can get 3% cash back when you buy gas at gas stations in the U.S. and on some transit costs.
• Earn a $300 statement credit if you spend $3,000 in the first 6 months.

7. Everyday Rewards Mastercard from Synchrony Bank

This card gives you daily benefits. There is no annual fee. You can choose rewards that fit how you spend. This is great for people who spend a lot in different areas each month or season.

The Everyday Rewards Mastercard from Synchrony Bank is practical and versatile. It’s a good option for those who want to earn rewards from their purchases. Users can adjust the reward categories to match their needs during the year. This allows them to save more money throughout the year.

Highlights

• There is no yearly fee.
• You can pick reward categories to gain the most benefits.

8. Synchrony Premier World Mastercard®

The Synchrony Premier World Mastercard® has a straightforward rewards program. It is great for anyone who wants to earn cash back on each purchase. Cardholders earn 2% cash back on all their spending with this card. There are no rotating categories or spending limits. This makes it easy for those who prefer a simple rewards system. The cash back amount is given as a statement credit, which makes it easy to use rewards. Since there is no annual fee, the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard® is a smart choice for those who want to boost their cash rewards with ease.

9. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a good option for anyone looking for a balance transfer credit card and who wants to keep their credit score healthy. It has a 0% APR on balance transfers for 21 months. You can also get 0% intro APR on purchases for one year. This gives you a lot of time to manage your debt without interest payments. There is no annual fee, making it budget-friendly. If you want to improve your credit while taking care of your debt, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a smart choice.

10. BankAmericard® credit card

The BankAmericard® credit card is ideal for those who need a credit card with a long 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers. There is no annual fee, so cardholders can use this card for big purchases or to pay off debt without immediate interest. It works well for anyone looking to improve their finances by lowering debt or making large buys without the stress of high interest. Just remember to pay the entire balance on time. The BankAmericard® credit card offers a great mix of benefits for people wanting to meet their financial needs.

11. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

If you enjoy food or dining out, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card might be just right for you. This card provides great cash rewards. You can earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services. This is great if you do these things a lot. Plus, cardholders get a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. This makes it easier to manage spending for trips or special events. There are also no foreign transaction fees. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card helps you earn more cash back while you enjoy what you love.

12. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is designed for people who travel a lot and want to earn travel rewards. Cardholders earn 2x miles for purchases with American Airlines and 1x mile on other travel expenses. This lets them gather miles quickly for future trips. The card offers nice perks, like access to the Admirals Club® and priority boarding, which improve the travel experience. There are no fees for foreign transactions, plus a large sign-up bonus. The World Elite Mastercard is a great option for anyone who wants travel rewards and benefits.

13. Mastercard® Titanium Card™

The Mastercard® Titanium Card™ is a luxury travel card for people who enjoy great benefits and easy cash rewards. You earn 1.5% cash back on all your purchases. It also includes special perks like a 24/7 concierge service and access to exclusive experiences. As a cardholder, you can easily redeem your rewards. There are no rotating categories or limits on how much you can earn. The annual fee matches its premium benefits. The Mastercard® Titanium Card™ is a good choice for anyone seeking a better credit card experience without the hassle of complex rewards systems.

14. Citi Double Cash® Card

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a great pick for anyone wanting an easy way to earn cash rewards. You can get 2% cash back on all your purchases. This means you earn 1% cash back when you buy something and another 1% when you pay the bill. It’s simple and easy to use. There’s no annual fee, so you can earn good cash back. This card is perfect for people who want to increase their rewards without worrying about rotating categories. Just keep your account in good standing, and the Citi Double Cash® Card helps you earn cash rewards without any trouble.

15. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Mastercard credit card is great for travelers. It lets you earn rewards without an annual fee or extra charges for foreign transactions. You get 1.25 miles for each purchase you make. Plus, there’s a special offer. You can earn 20,000 miles after spending $500 in the first three months. This card is perfect for booking trips with Capital One Travel. You earn 5x miles on hotel stays and rental cars. If you want travel rewards and no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Mastercard credit card is for you.

Final Thoughts

This list highlights several credit card companies and the variety of cards they offer, catering to different financial goals. Whether you’re looking for rewards, travel perks, low-interest rates, or a tool to build your credit, there’s a card out there to suit your needs. Choosing the right card not only helps you maximize benefits but also plays a crucial role in improving your financial health and managing your expenses wisely.

Before selecting a card, take time to evaluate your spending habits and financial priorities. Consider factors like annual fees, interest rates, and the type of rewards program that aligns with your lifestyle. For instance, frequent travelers might benefit from cards with travel rewards, while those focused on everyday purchases may prefer cash-back options. Always read the terms and conditions carefully to understand fees and potential restrictions, ensuring you get the most value from your card.

Remember, credit cards are tools that can work to your advantage if used responsibly. Stay consistent with on-time payments, maintain a low credit utilization ratio, and avoid overspending. By choosing a card that matches your needs and practicing good financial habits, you can make meaningful progress toward your long-term financial goals.

Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.

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Article Title: 15 Best Mastercard Options for Building Credit and Earning Rewards

https://fangwallet.com/2025/02/07/15-best-mastercard-options-for-building-credit-and-earning-rewards/

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